Stamsund

Stamsund
Village
View of the village
Stamsund Show map of Nordland Stamsund Show map of Norway Location in Nordland
Coordinates: 68°07′48″N 13°50′57″E / 68.13000°N 13.84917°E / 68.13000; 13.84917Coordinates: 68°07′48″N 13°50′57″E / 68.13000°N 13.84917°E / 68.13000; 13.84917
Country	Norway
Region	Northern Norway
County	Nordland
District	Lofoten
Municipality	Vestvågøy
Area
• Total	0.99 km2 (0.38 sq mi)
Elevation	8 m (26 ft)
Population (2013)
• Total	1,023
• Density	1,033/km2 (2,680/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+01:00)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+02:00)
Post Code	8340 Stamsund

Stamsund is a fishing village in the municipality of Vestvågøy in Nordland county, Norway. It is located on the southern side of the island of Vestvågøy in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden. The village is located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) east of the town of Leknes. The 0.99-square-kilometre (240-acre) village has a population (2013) of 1,023. The population density of Stamsund is 1,033 inhabitants per square kilometre (2,680/sq mi).

Stamsund has a rich cultural life with two free theatre groups, Nordland puppet theatre, and many artists, such as Scott Thoe and Ulf M. Stamsund Church is located in this village and it serves the whole Stamsund region. The Hurtigruten Coastal Express service stops twice a day at the Stamsund port, southbound from Svolvær and northbound from Bodø. Stamsund is a popular tourist destination, with the traditional fishermen's shacks, called Rorbuer, being especially popular. There used to be a hotel in Stamsund, but as of 2009, it is no longer in service. There are, however, several options for tourists, such as Ytterviks Rorbuer. There is a ski resort in Stamsund, which is usually open between January and March, although it opens earlier if weather conditions allow it. As Stamsund is surrounded by mountains, hiking is very popular. In the area surrounding Stamsund, there are also several lakes in which one can fish. Sea fishing is also a popular choice, and boats may be hired. The midnight sun during the summer months and the northern light during the winter months attract a lot of tourists.

Stamsund pays host to the annual Stamsund International Theater Festival, where performers and enthusiasts gather every spring to enjoy a week of festivities. Founded in 2001, the festival aims to contribute to the international exchange of performing arts. The festival has grown into a relatively large institution, and attracts visitors from all over the world.